Pork labels explained

RSPCA Assured

The RSPCA Assured label indicates that the farms have been monitored and assessed against the RSPCA' higher welfare standards for pigs.

Red Tractor

Red Tractor is a UK food assurance scheme that produces food to certain standards of food safety, animal welfare, and environmental protection throughout the supply chain. While Red Tractor’s farmed animal welfare standards may exceed legal minimum requirements, they are often in line with the UK legal minimum standard.

The Organic Food Federation, Welsh Organic, Soil Association and OF&G

Organic labels such as The Organic Food Federation, Welsh Organic, Soil Association and OF&G require that the animals have been fed an organic diet. There are also strict rules regarding the use of antibiotics and other medicines. Pigs in organic systems have access to the outdoors throughout their lives.

Specially Selected Pork

In Scotland, the QMS Specially Selected Pork label indicates the pork is Scottish, and that the farms may have been checked by the Scottish SPCA. Many of the standards reflect basic legislation.

EU legal standards

EU legal standards are similar to those in the UK but also allow the use of sow stalls (small, narrow individual pens) for the first four weeks of a sow's pregnancy, which have been illegal in the UK for over 20 years.

UK legal standard

The UK legal standards for pigs currently allows pregnant sows to be kept in farrowing crates for several weeks. A solid sleeping area or bedding materials are not required, and pigs can legally be castrated without anaesthetic. There's not an official UK pork label and no requirement for welfare checks, but the Union Jack, or the words 'British Pork' are often used on packaging.